Abstract: Peats, mucks, soils, anaerobic sludges, lignites and other humus materials containing humic substances are slurried in the natural wet state with additional water at low pH to free humic acid from salts it may have formed in the natural state and to disperse the humic acid as a fine suspension in the water. The resulting slurry is then screened to remove coarse material such as stones, fibers and cellulosic materials that may be present, and the liquid phase compromising a dispersion of humic acid is settled or otherwise treated to remove heavy inorganic fines if present. The dispersion is then filtered to yield a relatively pure and dry filter cake, comprising crude humic acid. This product may be converted to soluble humate salts by adding a solubilizing agent such as sodium hydroxide, separating residual insolubles and drying the concentrated solution.

Abstract: A slow release particulate fertilizer comprising a carrier containing trace elements distributed homogeneously therein. The trace elements include salts or oxides of iron, manganese, zinc and copper in certain critical proportions. The carrier contains significant proportions of calcium and sulfur and is preferably gypsum. The composition is particularly suitable for use with soilless potting media for container grown ornamentals.

Abstract: In producing a mixed phosphatic fertilizer, humic acid is mixed with fused phosphate to cause the humic acid to react on alkaline ingredients of the fused phosphate for turning these alkaline ingredients into chelate compounds, so that water-soluble phosphoric acid contents of succeedingly added phosphatic fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate and calcium triple-superphosphate are not reduced or insolubilized by being reacted with such alkaline ingredients. Thus, unlike the prior art, a stabilized predetermined level of water-soluble phosphoric acid contents can be secured in the resultant mixed phosphatic fertilizer along with a predetermined level of citric acid-soluble phosphoric acid contents.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of making a chelating agent and a method of forming a chelated compound using that chelating agent. The chelating agent is formed in two steps. In the first step, methanol with a small amount of citric acid and concentrated nitric acid is used to remove whatever compounds in leonardite ore that is soluable in methanol. The resulting mixture is then mixed with sodium citrate and dried causing the methanol to evaporate. The result is a chelating agent. It is ground into a fine powder and can be mixed with finely ground powders of the sulfates of the desired micronutrients such as for example ferrous sulfate. The two powders when so mixed combined to form a chelate. The resulting dry material is then reground into a powder and can contain up to 22% of the chelated micronutrient.

Abstract: A composition comprising peat and a wetting agent characterized in that the wetting agent is an alkylene oxide condensate of a tri-(alkyl)substituted phenol or an ester thereof.

Abstract: A foliar growth promoting mixture for increasing crop yield as well as protein content within plants. The foliar growth promoting mixture includes a liquid seaweed base composition which forms approximately 50.0% by weight of the foliar growth promoting mixture. To the liquid seaweed base composition is blended a fish emulsion mixture which forms approximately 25.0% by weight of the overall foliar growth promoting mixture. A liquid humus composition within the approximate weight percentage of between 5.0%-15.0% of the overall mixture is included and a water soluble nutrient from the group consisting of carbohydrates and enzymes within the approximate weight range of 10.0%-20.0% of the foliar growth promoting mixture is further added.

Abstract: Microporous, fertilizing materials or compositions, retaining water and accelerating the germination and growth of plants, characterized in that they are composed of a hydrocarbon base containing asphaltenes modified by an oxidation agent producing a liberation of gas, directly, or indirectly, in combination with at least one mineral compound reacting in acid medium, to which materials or compositions it is possible to add, by simple mixing, appropriate common manures, oligo-elements and fertilizers.Method of preparation of fertilizing materials or compositions, characterized in that a non-acid oxidizing agent is mixed with a molten hydrocarbon base in a proportion of 25 to 50% by weight with 5 to 10% of a mineral compound, the mixture is kept for 5 to 7 hours at 180.degree.-250.degree. C., poured into metal trays, cooled, ground and screened into granules of a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 mm.

Abstract: A composite granular mixture of source materials, providing an NPK Fertilizer content of desired value, say 16-8-8, and a plastic binder composed of granular uncured urea-formaldehyde resin are compressed into a briquette of good "green strength" and then resinously bonded into a drivable spike by curing the resin either at room temperature or at a suitably elevated temperature. The resulting plant food spike, when driven into the ground, functions to fertilize the immediately surrounding area at a slow even rate.

Abstract: A substrate for the cultivation of plants in greenhouses or outdoors comprises klinoptylolite zeolite, vermiculite and peat in specified particle size ranges and relationships, with enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus content, to provide a highly versatile and surprisingly effective active growing medium.

Abstract: An agricultural inoculant composition used as a seed, plant, foilar spray, field spray, and compost inoculant. The agricultural inoculant composition includes both a peat humus base composition having predetermined quantities of peat moss, leather meal, granite meal, Calcium Phosphate, tobacco meal, animal manure, kelp, greensand, liquid seaweed, and bacterial inoculant. Additionally, a liquid seaweed base composition is mixed with the peat humus base composition and the liquid seaweed base composition includes a combination of liquid seaweed, carbohydrates and polysaccharides, vitamins, as well as liquid alfalfa. The agricultural inoculant has been found to increase both the quality and yield of various types of plant products when such is used either as a seed or plant inoculant.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method for stimulating growth in a foliage plant. The method comprises potting the plant in a conventional potting medium to which there has been added a humate which was previously associated with a rutile sand deposit. The disclosure is also of improved potting mediums for foliage plants, which include rutile sand deposit derived humate.

Abstract: Composition for stimulation of aerobic bacteria in sewage or in soil from combination of B vitamins and an agent derived from digestion of milch cow excrement; and method of treating sewage or soil to stimulate the growth of aerobic bacteria to improve the condition of sewage for disposal or availability of soil nutrients for plant growth by addition of the composition to sewage or soil.

Abstract: A process for producing a citric acid soluble potassium silicate fertilizer comprises a step for kneading a mixture consisting essentially of potassium carbonate, fly ash, pulverized coal, other necessary starting materials and a caustic potash solution as a binder and then granulating the kneaded mixture, a step for drying the granulated product to a nearly absolutely dry state, and a step for calcining the dried granular product, whereby a chemical reaction takes place between the potassium and the silicon present in fly ash to convert them into a citric acid soluble potassium silicate.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method for stimulating growth in a foliage plant. The method comprises potting the plant in a conventional potting medium to which there has been added a humate which was previously associated with a rutile sand deposit. The disclosure is also of improved potting mediums for foliage plants, which include rutile sand deposit derived humate.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of biologically decomposing organic material by the action of microorganisms thereon in the presence of an oxygen-gas containing medium, in which method the material is charged to the top of a vessel and caused to sink downwardly therethrough while passing one or more zones during continuous decomposition of the material and discharge of the treated material at the bottom of said vessel, the oxygen-gas medium being charged to the bottom of the vessel and caused to move upwardly therethrough against the pressure of the overlying material, wherein the sinking movement of said material is effected by causing one or more rotatable screws to cut and finely-divide the treated material and to transport said cut and treated material to a discharge location in the lower part of the vessel; and wherein the oxygen-gas containing medium is introduced through gas-supply means in the bottom part of the vessel and caused to pass through a layer of particulate material and through a l

Abstract: A comminuted or particulated growth substrate is produced by extracting peat blocks from bog and drying these blocks to a moisture content of 10 to 30%. The blocks are thereafter compressed into a volume of 1/3 to 1/10 of their initial size and the particulated growth substrate is prepared from the compressed block by cutting or fraising.

Abstract: A synthetic growing medium comprising a thorough mixture of urea formaldehyde foam granules, powdered humus, and a wetting agent. The medium also includes plant nutrients, trace elements, and pH adjusting material. The growing medium is prepared by grinding urea formaldehyde foam into granules having an average diameter of between 0.1 and 1.0 centimeter. Separately, humus, such as peat, is ground to a powder. A liquid wetting agent is sprayed onto the humus and thereafter the wetting agent-carrying humus powder is mixed with the foam granules. The proportion of foam to humus is within the range of 250 parts foam to one part humus to one part foam to five parts humus. At any appropriate time, nutrients, trace elements, and pH adjusting materials are added to the mixture.

Abstract: A process for bleaching peat moss at acid pHs to produce a peat moss product of enhanced color and which substantially maintains its original structure.

Abstract: A biochemical process for the aerobic thermophyllic fermentation of cotton gin waste is disclosed which converts a presently useless pest ridden agricultural waste product into a useful medium for the culture of horticultural and agronomic plants as well as micoorganisms useful to man. By the aeration, water content and physical shape and size of the waste product, piles are so conditioned that by means of the resulting biodegradation processes plant pathogenic microorganisms, insects, viruses, spider mites and related pests are destroyed. Additionally, pesticidal residues, chemical plant growth regulators and certain harvest aid materials normally added to the growing cotton crop for production purposes are reduced to materials harmless to plant life. The resulting humus like material provides improved plant growth, nearly five times that of a good river loam soil, and contains a microbial population that prevents the spread of soil borne plant pathogenic microorganisms reintroduced into the medium.

Abstract: Composting compositions are provided which avoid conventional composting for production of mushrooms requiring casing. A mixture of steer manure and peat moss in combination with a small amount of an agent for maintaining permeability is mixed with water and sterilized. The resulting product provides excellent composting for mushrooms requiring casing, with rapid production and high yield.

Abstract: A disintegrable golf tee comprised of clay, grass seed and a soil conditioner selected from among the following ingredients: a fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, larvacide or a mixture of same.Humus may be added to the composition as an optional ingredient.The tee thus produced can be shattered upon impact with a club head or it can be impressed into the ground. In either event, it decomposes upon contact with moisture to impart beneficial properties to the grass and soil.

Abstract: An integral, non-floating, plant-food enriched, growth-supporting and plant-holding solid substrate is provided for rooting and growing aquatic plants submerged in water. The substrate comprises a water-cured hydrophilic-polyurethane-prepolymer foam composition in which plants (submerged in water) are grown.

Abstract: In the production of turf, a growing medium including particulate lignite is mixed with grass seed and is then spread out on a water-impervious bed between two parallel kerbs. The bed may comprise flexible plastics sheeting which serves as a backing when the turf is removed from between the kerbs and rolled up.

Abstract: A molded nutrient-containing plant-growth medium secured to a weighted base permits the growth of plants in an aquarium without contaminating water in the aquarium with floating soil.

Abstract: Suspension fertilizers containing humic acid as a crystallization inhibitor and crystal growth modifier. Suspension fertilizers containing from 0.05% to 3% humic acid and from 0.25%-3% bentonite have excellent stability as evidenced by a low concentration of crystals, a low crystal growth rate, good suspension characteristics and good rheological properties. An improved method of manufacturing suspension fertilizers which consists of adding from 0.05% to 3% by weight humic acid to the suspension fertilizer, and a method of inhibiting the formation and growth of crystals from a supersaturated solution of at least one fertilizer chemical which comprises adding from 0.05% to 3% by weight humic acid to the solution before it becomes supersaturated.

Abstract: Plants are grown in soil which has been intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The roots of plants being transplanted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter. The transplanted plants grow more vigorously and are more resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Plants are watered with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to promote growth, yield and/or beauty. The watered plants are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. Plant nutrients may be present in the water and fed to the plants at the time of watering. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles.

Abstract: A growing medium for seeds, cuttings, plants and the like contains partially combusted bark particles obtained from bark-burning boiler furnaces of pulp processing concerns. The bark particles possess physical and chemical properties ideally suited for use in growing media, especially so-called "soilless" growing media for container-growing. The combusted bark particles are combined with other materials conventionally utilized in horticultural growing media.

Abstract: Soil is intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A process for recycling raw sewage and unsorted solid waste by adding the solids removed from sewage to ground unsorted waste forming a sludge, treating the sludge first anaerobically, sterilizing the anaerobically treated sludge, forming the sludge into a slurry, separating the biodegradable from the non-biodegradable material in the slurry by aerobic fermentation, composting the biodegradable material in batches, curing the compost under control conditions to stabilize its fertilizing properties and classifying the biodegradable and non-biodegradable material to provide useable products. The colloidal raw sewage liquor remaining after separation of the sewage solids is converted into pure water.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition manufactured by mixing a fertilizer or a fertilizing substance with pullulan or a derivative thereof, used as binder, and solidifying the mixture. The composition is easily shapable. Another advantage of pullulan over conventional binders is that the pullulan or its derivative which remains in the soil after application of the composition and dissolution of the fertilizer component is degraded by the action of water and soil microorganisms in the soil and, hence, will not hinder the growth of plants.

Abstract: The pelleting of fibrous agricultural material, such as beet pulp is facilitated by the incorporation of a mixture of expanded vermiculite and/or finely divided vermiculite ore with an organic material which may be animal fat or a vegetable oil product such as cottonseed oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to nitrogenous compositions suitable for use as both fertilizers and soil conditioners, and in particular relates to processes for preparing the same from coals of low rank. The process dissolves humus from the coal with an aqueous urea solution that is then oxidized and neutralized with alkali to form a composition providing slow release of nitrogen when used as a fertilizer.

Abstract: Phosphate enriched, potassium supplemented peat moss fertilizer produce and method of production including reaction of peat moss with a solution of alkali metal acid phosphate salt in orthophosphoric acid, in some cases with prolonged hydrolysis reaction at elevated temperatures to hydrolyze peat moss protein to free amino acids.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, a plug shaped receptacle or hollow container made of peat, pre-shaped and reacted at conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to cause reaction and polymerization of the naturally occuring functional groups of the peat. In preferred embodiments one or more chemical reagents are also added to react and polymerize with the natural functional groups of the peat and enhance the properties of the so formed peat container.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of soil conditioners, which comprises the steps of adding alkaline earth metal salts to a solution of alkaline extract of an peat-moss and humic acid which is contained in peat-moss thereby to form flocs of the humic acid salt thereof, further adding an organic coagulant to said solution thereby to coagulate said flocs coarsely, filtering the thus treated solution, and drying the resulting condensate.

Abstract: A soil conditioning and fertilizer composition and the process of producing it is disclosed, the composition composed of particulate seaweed intimately mixed with particulate tree bark.